Articles tagged with Rheumatism
Researchers found a combination of antibiotics to be an effective treatment for Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis, with significant improvements seen in patients receiving a 6-month course of combination antibiotics. The results suggest potential for eradication of the persistent infection and improvement in clinical sequelae.
Researchers found African-Americans were less likely to have a varus thrust but more likely to have a valgus thrust than Caucasians. This disparity may help explain differences in knee osteoarthritis (OA) involvement at the knee.
Dr. Rimoin was recognized for his research into skeletal dysplasias and heritable disorders of connective tissue, and for helping to organize the field of medical genetics. He is one of the true giants of medical genetics, with a long distinguished career of research and leadership.
A 52-year follow-up study found that higher serum uric acid levels increase gout risk in women, with the risk being 46 times higher among those above 8mg/dl. Other factors such as age, obesity, and hypertension also contribute to the risk of developing gout.
Researchers found that SLE patients with high disease activity have higher levels of anti-Apo A-I, anti-HDL, and anti-CRP antibodies, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis. This association may place SLE patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.
A population-based study of over 10,000 participants found that women with gout were 39% more likely to have a heart attack and 41% more likely to experience a non-fatal heart attack. This risk was significantly higher than in men with gout.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that musculoskeletal issues are the leading cause of medical evacuation from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. Psychiatric diagnoses also increased over four years, despite mental health teams. Most evacuated personnel do not return to duty.
A study published in The Lancet found that non-battle-related disorders, such as musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, are the leading cause of medical evacuation from the front line. The study also identified factors associated with return to duty, including senior officer status and non-battle related injuries.
A study by researchers from Stony Brook University found that osteoarthritis increases aggregate health care expenditures in the U.S. by $185.5 billion annually. The disease disproportionately affects women, with out-of-pocket expenses nearly 100 percent higher for them than men.
A comprehensive collection of 38 articles written by international experts provides a detailed overview of current rheumatology research. The resource covers basic, translational, and clinical research in rheumatology, offering clinicians and researchers a valuable reference work.
Researchers found that PCPs can effectively screen for serious diseases like vertebral fractures and cancer using red flag clinical features. The study identified a diagnostic rule containing four variables, which can increase the probability of vertebral fracture when multiple flags are present.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that mice deficient in Type IX collagen develop osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, leading to impaired physical abilities and increased pain sensitivity. The study provides valuable insights into the effects of collagen deficiency on musculoskeletal disorders.
A new study suggests that measuring serum levels of myeloid-related proteins 8 and 14 can predict disease activity, treatment response, and diagnose FMF in children and adolescents. The study also indicates a potential link between MRP 8/14 biomarkers and detection of subclinical inflammatory activity.
A new model suggests mechanical forces play a crucial role in blood vessel growth, challenging previous assumptions about chemical gradients. This finding opens up new possibilities for treating diseases such as tumors, rheumatism, and eye disorders.
A study found that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have significant olfactory deficits compared to healthy controls. Patients with more active disease and past neuropsychiatric SLE manifestations had lower total TDI scores, suggesting an immune-mediated mechanism.
Researchers identify PARF motif bacteria as cause of rheumatic fever, a precursor to rheumatic heart disease. A new test strip reacting to the PARF motif is being developed to filter out cases and treat them at an early stage.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center aim to identify genetic clues to scleroderma by studying the genes of 1,500 patients and 3,000 controls. The goal is to develop better treatments and improve symptoms for those affected by this chronic disease.
A study of 325 obese patients found they benefited from knee replacements, with improved mobility scores compared to a comparison group. The research suggests that obese patients can undergo the procedure without increased risk, making it unjustified to deny them the surgery.
A long-term study of 1,471 patients with ankylosing spondylitis who received repeated intravenous injections of 224Radium found a significantly increased rate of leukaemias, particularly acute myeloid leukaemia, compared to a control group
Research shows that people with temporal arteritis, an inflammatory artery disease, are three times more likely to experience blindness due to swollen arteries restricting blood flow. The disease is often accompanied by symptoms like headaches and jaw soreness, and if left untreated can lead to severe vision loss or stroke.
A global research alliance found associations between anti-ribosomal P antibodies and psychosis, as well as lupus anticoagulant and cerebrovascular disease in SLE patients. The study identified potential biomarkers for neuropsychiatric events, but future studies are needed to confirm these findings.
VIB researchers elucidated the function of MALT1, a key player in controlling inflammatory reactions, and found that it cleaves the A20 protein. This discovery offers possibilities for developing new medicines to counteract MALT1 and restore natural inhibition of inflammation.
Researchers developed a new modified comorbidity index to predict post-liver-transplant survival, considering comorbidities such as coronary disease, diabetes, and COPD. This index predicted survival as well or better than other models using recipient characteristics.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have identified two genes, ARTS1 and IL23R, that contribute to the development of ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic and disabling form of arthritis. This discovery is expected to lead to new therapies and potentially allow for early identification of patients at risk.
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that patients with kidney failure who develop nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) have a significantly higher risk of dying. Gadolinium exposure is identified as a significant risk factor for developing NSF.
Research found knee monoarthritis in 296 patients (4.4%) with rheumatic disorders, a rare condition associated with operable non-small cell lung cancer. The disease is challenging to treat unless caught early, and the discovery provides new insights into potential early warning signs.
Researchers found that oral calcitonin effectively protects against articular cartilage degradation and surface erosions in ovariectomized rats, a model for postmenopausal women. Calcitonin worked better than estrogen therapy, preventing cartilage erosions completely.
Survival rates for individuals with scleroderma have increased by 12% over the past 30 years, from 54% to 66%, thanks in part to advancements in treatment. Newer medications such as ACE inhibitors have dramatically improved outcomes for patients, particularly in reducing renal crisis mortality.
Muhammad B. Yunus synthesizes extensive literature on fibromyalgia and central sensitivity syndromes, linking them to real neurochemical abnormalities. He advocates for a biopsychosocial perspective in treating chronic pain syndromes.
A team of scientists at the University of Manchester found evidence that ancient Egyptian physicians practised a credible form of pharmacy and medicine over 1,000 years before Hippocrates. The researchers discovered medicinal remedies such as honey, resins, and metals with therapeutic merit, many of which remain in use today.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that older and lower-income patients with SLE are less likely to see a rheumatologist. Despite access to healthcare through Medicare and Medicaid, these patients face additional barriers to accessing specialized care.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that arthritis pain is processed in brain areas associated with emotions and fear. The medial pain system, including the cingulate cortex and amygdala, was activated during arthritic pain, suggesting a stronger emotional impact than experimental pain.
Researchers at Yale University discovered a potential reversible cause of first-degree fetal heart block, which impairs the heart's electrical signaling. The PRIDE study found that early treatment with dexamethasone can reverse the condition, but it can progress rapidly to irreversible third-degree block.
Researchers found that embryonic cells from a dog's notochord can regenerate disc cartilage, providing new therapeutic options for degenerative disc disease. The study suggests that CTGF-secreting notochord cells protect non-chondrodystrophic dogs against the condition.
Rheumatic diseases are a leading cause of pain and disability in Europe, affecting approximately 100 million people. The European Science Foundation has set out a research strategy to address this issue, proposing five key recommendations to prioritize research and improve treatments.
Researchers identified adult human multipotent stem cells derived from the periosteum, which can regenerate cartilage, muscle, and bone. The study showed that these cells can contribute to muscle regeneration and form cartilage when implanted into a joint surface defect.
A study found a strong association between meniscal malposition, meniscal tears, and cartilage loss in knee OA. Meniscal damage increased the risk of cartilage loss, particularly in the medial tibiofemoral joint.
The new CD-ROM provides a wide range of resources, including patient education brochures, professional educational materials, and web links to numerous useful resources. The CD-ROM has been overwhelmingly approved by healthcare professionals, who will use it to better understand and manage childhood rheumatic diseases.
Researchers found that FOP is misdiagnosed 87% of the time, taking an average of four years to be accurately diagnosed. Inaccurate diagnoses led to painful biopsies and incorrect treatments, often worsening the condition and resulting in permanent loss of mobility.
Researchers found that endomorphin 1, a natural painkiller, had no effect on chronic arthritis pain. The study suggests the need for alternative pain management strategies for long-term arthritis sufferers.
Researchers identified a novel syndrome marked by rapid cartilage debonding and stripping away from bone in an affected family. The condition causes joints to be exceptionally susceptible to shattering, despite being diagnosed with various disorders in the past.
A study of 5,364 patients found that knee pain is often accompanied by pain in other joints, leading to poorer general and psychological health. The results suggest that managing pain in one region can have beneficial effects on overall perception of pain.
A study found that moderate weight loss results in a significant reduction of compressive knee-joint loads, with forces reduced by 18 percent in overall function for every 5 percent weight loss. The researchers also discovered that the force reduction is four times greater than the actual weight loss.
A new protein called SPARC is involved in tumor therapy resistance, while complement component C5 contributes to airway inflammation in asthma. BMP signaling pathways may also be therapeutic targets for treating spondyloarthropathies.
A study found that complete ACL tears play a major role in the development of debilitating knee OA, even among patients with no recall of significant knee injury. Patients with ACL tears tend to have more severe disease, but not increased pain.
A long-term study of 835 participants found moderate acetabular dysplasia to be a strong independent risk factor for hip OA. Women with acetabular dysplasia had a higher incidence and severity of hip OA, especially those with high-stress workloads and low BMI.
Researchers found that people with fibromyalgia have similar average activity levels as those without the condition, but lower high-intensity activities. This study suggests a more nuanced understanding of fibromyalgia and could lead to changes in treatment.
A year-long clinical trial found that prasterone improved disease activity, reduced organ damage, and boosted health-related quality of life for women with active lupus. The treatment, which is safe and effective, could offer an alternative to immunosuppressive agents or large doses of glucocorticoids.
The National Institutes of Health's NIAMS has funded eight research projects to better understand and treat heritable disorders of connective tissue. These conditions, such as osteogenesis imperfecta and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, affect millions of Americans and have few effective treatments.
The study provides direct measurements of nanoscale forces between cartilage molecules and a tiny probe tip, shedding light on the complex biocomposite material's behavior. The results reveal a mix of electrical repulsive and steric forces contributing to its unique properties.
A new brain-scan study confirms fibromyalgia patients do experience severe pain, with measurable pain signals in their brains. The study uses fMRI scans to identify areas of the brain most active during pain, providing a road map for future research on the disease.
A recent study has identified eight chromosomal sites that may harbor genes for hand OA, with the strongest evidence found on chromosomes 7p and 11q. The research used a genome scan of Framingham participants and their offspring to investigate genetic linkages.
Researchers have developed a new x-ray technique called diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) that can image cartilage and detect early stages of osteoarthritis. This technology has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of the disease, which affects over half of the nation's elderly.
The Vienna centre of excellence in biomedicine is researching into the genetic causes of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatism and arteriosclerosis. The centre brings together leading university institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and start-ups to achieve rapid transfers of research results from the laboratory to patients.
Researchers have identified the RMRP gene responsible for cartilage-hair hypoplasia, a rare syndrome causing dwarfism. The discovery may lead to better understanding and treatment of the disease, which affects worldwide but is prevalent in Finnish and Amish populations.
The Johns Hopkins Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine is working on identifying genes involved in 10 heart and lung diseases. The researchers will use DNA microarray technology to examine tissue samples from 10 patient populations.
A study of 300 former professional footballers found that almost two-thirds had experienced osteoarthritis, with knee problems being the most common. Anxiety and depression were also prevalent among those with this type of joint disease, which often led to early retirement.
Scientists have characterized gene mutations in families affected by pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a rare disorder that can lead to progressive loss of vision, gastrointestinal bleeding, and cardiovascular disease. The study provides the basis for DNA-based carrier detection and prenatal testing.
Research found that low dietary vitamin C intakes are associated with higher rates of periodontal disease, particularly in smokers. Vitamin C's antioxidant properties play a crucial role in maintaining healthy connective tissue and combating oxidative stress.
A study by Penn State researcher Dr. Mark D. Hayward found that people with childhood illness are more likely to develop cancer, lung disease, and arthritis in adulthood, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Investing in children's health could lead to significant benefits for adult healthcare.